DARDANELLE — The Dardanelle Board of Education approved an amended salary schedule for 2013-14 certified and classified employees during a called meeting Wednesday.

The salary schedule includes an across-the-board 2 percent raise for district employees.

"In August, we budgeted to include a 2 percent bonus," Superintendent John Thompson said. "I was waiting on the audit ... where we are — looking at our numbers — enrollment is holding, and the figures are right where we want to be."

The raises will be added to this year's contract, meaning employees will receive a "retroactive lump sum check," Vice President Jerry Don Woods said.

The board approved amending the 2014-15 certified staffing plan to include the addition of a new position at the high school.

"We need some science help in high school and we need some additional counseling help in high school," Thompson said.

The board authorized Thompson to solicit proposals for an independent audit.

"There will be expense involved whereas there's not with a legislative audit," Thompson said. "I think it will be money well spent."

Thompson said the turnaround for an independent audit is a week to 10 days versus 10-12 weeks with a legislative audit.

Woods said the relationship — being able to call the independent auditor with questions — justified the expense.

"It's a far better product," Woods said.

The board approved one student transfer from Dardanelle to Russellville. It approved hiring Lauren Taylor as business instructor and Kristi Hunter as special education instructor.